Chaoyang Hospital becomes gathering point for protesters in Beijing

Petitioners protesting about medical and land grab issues are detained by police outside the Chaoyang Hospital where blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng is being held, in Beijing on May 8.

Alexander F. Yuan / AP

A petitioner, allegedly persecuted by local officials after reporting a corruption case to the central government, shows a scar, trying to attract public attention for his case, while he is grabbed by a policeman outside the hospital where blind activist Chen Guangcheng is staying for treatment in Beijing, China, Tuesday, May 8.

Mark Ralston / AFP - Getty Images

A petitioner amongst a group protesting about medical and land grab issues is detained by police outside the Chaoyang Hospital where blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng is being held, in Beijing on May 8. Blind activist Chen Guangcheng said May 8 he has met government officials about getting a passport, raising hopes he may soon be able to leave China, but US embassy staff still cannot visit him in hospital.

Mark Ralston / AFP - Getty Images

Security guards talk outside the Chaoyang Hospital where blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng is being held, in Beijing on May 8. Blind activist Chen Guangcheng said May 8 he has met government officials about getting a passport, raising hopes he may soon be able to leave China, but US embassy staff still cannot visit him in hospital.